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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Chickenpox what to do?

18 replies

whatsmystyle · 29/06/2019 20:42

My baby has got chickenpox. Doctor confirmed today ... so of course he is not going out anywhere for next 7-10 days until he is fully recovered. I am not going to take him to the shops, school run or anywhere stupid where there is any risk for others. My AIBU is for my older child. He is in school ... for now he is in perfect condition. No fever nothing! Doctor said he can keep going to school as usual until any symptoms appear. Would it is unreasonable to keep sending him? For reference one of the dad at school is undergoing chemo. I will stop him at the first sign of chickenpox which I am sure he will catch.

OP posts:

Tavannach · 29/06/2019 20:43

Does your doctor know that one of the dads is having chemo?

Original poster

whatsmystyle · 29/06/2019 20:46

it's not 'my' doctor. It was some random out of hours GP. It didn't occur to me in the appointment for my baby to randomly think about a school dad. I thought about it now.

OP posts:

HiJenny35 · 29/06/2019 20:46

Wait and see, it was a full week between mine but your son may have a temp/generally grumpy by Monday so you will know. Otherwise send him, he may never get it so I don't think you have much choice.

RiddleyW · 29/06/2019 20:47

Could you vaccinate the elder child?

Original poster

whatsmystyle · 29/06/2019 20:51

thanks Jenny. I thought so too. Also, how long can I stop him from going to school 'in anticipation'.

I can vaccinate in theory but how will I take him to the appointment when I have a baby to care for? If he has got the virus vaccine is not going to work anyway.

OP posts:

Cravingcake · 29/06/2019 20:51

My DH is currently going through chemotherapy and we have 2 DC of primary school age so are exposed to potential bugs and germs. I would carry on sending your DC to school but either mention to the Dad or message if you won’t see him that one of your DC has chicken pox. Unfortunately you can’t wrap up in cotton wool/bubble wrap for the rest of your life. Make sure your DC (and you) practice good hygiene (hand washing etc) and carry on as normal.

RiddleyW · 29/06/2019 20:54

Vaccine is effective even after exposure- either stops it or sometimes means it’s very mild.

Kitsandkids · 29/06/2019 20:57

With regard to the vaccine - it’s a live vaccine and you are advised to stay away from immunosuppressed people for up to 6 weeks after being vaccinated.

RainOrSun · 29/06/2019 20:58

Its likely to be 2-3 weeks until your next child gets it. If he gets it.
I'd warn school, but unless they say otherwise, keep sending him in.

RiddleyW · 29/06/2019 21:02

With regard to the vaccine - it’s a live vaccine and you are advised to stay away from immunosuppressed people for up to 6 weeks after being vaccinated.

Are you sure? I know someone who’s children got it on the NHS because one of their siblings is immunosuppressed.

Mrscog · 29/06/2019 21:03

You'll just have to keep an eye on him - it can lay dormant for up to 21 days.

There are too many unknowns to keep your older child off school - he may not catch it, the son of the Dad having chemo may have already had it, he may have been vaccinated (I would definitely vaccinate if a DC hadn't had it then someone close needed chemo.)

You are right to keep a cautious eye though, and talk to him about good hygeine, using tissues, not getting close to people etc. too.

EleanorLavish · 29/06/2019 21:07

Riddley I have an immunosuppressive child who has had CPox and a younger child who hasn’t. I will prob get youngest the vaccine, put will just be promoting lots of hand washing and good hygiene as I can’t separate them for 6weeks. That’s an ideal solution but you work with reality.
OP, keep sending him in, there is a good chance he won’t get it at all. My youngest is nearly the only one in his class that hasn’t had it, and he was in very close contact with some of them, and they all got it.

HiJenny35 · 29/06/2019 22:03

Vaccine is live and you wouldn't be given it, you can't have it if you have been in contact with someone with the virus in the last two weeks and yes you aren't meant to stay away from immune compromised people for 6 weeks. My daughter couldn't have it when I was pregnant (I've not had it) unless I had somewhere else for her to live after.

RiddleyW · 29/06/2019 22:10

HiJenny that is not correct - you can get the vaccine after exposure, it’s quite effective at that point. Where are you getting your info on this from?

Original poster

whatsmystyle · 29/06/2019 22:31

Thanks for all the useful advice. Much appreciated.

I agree with sending the older one to school and then if I see any sign of chicken pox I will stop immediately. Regarding vaccine - beside the point. I cannot go out to get it done.

OP posts:

Original poster

whatsmystyle · 29/06/2019 22:33

@Cravingcake really appreciate your advice. Hope your DH gets well soon.

OP posts:

Ihatehashtags · 29/06/2019 22:38

You can go to get the vaccine. If your baby is kept in a pram or capsule with a cover they are not going to give anyone chicken pox.

Original poster

whatsmystyle · 29/06/2019 22:45

So I get my older one to skip school - Carry him and my sick little one in a crowded train in a pram for good 30-35 mins to get the vaccine? Cover the baby in pram in this heat because it's all so simple. I said earlier I can't get the vaccine so there must be reasons!

OP posts:

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